The National Crime Agency (NCA) has revealed a significant money laundering operation linking UK drug gangs to a Russian-speaking criminal network. This unprecedented scheme allowed gangs to convert dirty cash into untraceable cryptocurrency during the pandemic lockdown. With 84 arrests globally, including 71 in the UK, key figures like Ekaterina Zhdanova have been identified, while the US Treasury has sanctioned influential players in the network. Investigators emphasize the connection between Russian elites, cryptocurrency criminals, and UK drug dealers, greatly complicating future operations for drug money laundering.

Source